According to Kurt Okraku, president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), it is painful to witness athletes with African heritage opting to play for European nations. Okraku expressed his worry over African representation in international football in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Players such as Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, according to Okraku, ought to play for their home nations. Their nations should be represented by full-blooded Ghanaians. “That’s my clear view on representation when it comes to national teams in football,” he told Sky Sports.
“But having said that, I think England is a strong side. It is essential that we acknowledge the manager and his experience, but it is also a fact that they will encounter a highly competitive and driven Ghanaian side.”
“Well, it’s quite unfortunate, to be honest,” he said when asked more about Mainoo’s predicament.
“I wish I hadn’t made any comments about it.” I want to avoid ever commenting on circumstances like this since I watched the French national team win the World Cup and the team is composed of 11 Africans, for example. “It always warns me that there’s something to talk about.”
When England plays Ghana at the 2026 global tournament, Mainoo will be up against his home country at the World Cup.
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